Robotic sentries bring extra eyes to Metro park and ride lots
Houston TX Dec 24 2020 Typically, when a security guard weighs 400 pounds, it means they are not well suited for foot patrols. K5, however, was built for it.
Soon the spaceship-shaped sentries will roll into action at transit stops and continue keeping watch on a parking garage at Bush Intercontinental Airport, under tests to see if more mechanized monitoring can help people navigate places and provide a bit more security in spaces that could use an extra set of eyes.
Airport officials deployed two K5s, built by Silicon Valley-based Knightscope, in early December.
In the coming weeks, once they are properly branded with logos, Metropolitan Transit Authority said it will roll out K5s at a park and ride lot and a transit center in the area.
A stationary K1, also built by Knightscope, will be installed at a rail platform. Metro’s board approved a $270,000 contract with Knightscope about 11 months ago.
